Ex HMS Shoreham captain in affair probe

Commander Sarah West

A FORMER captain of HMS Shoreham is being investigated by the Royal Navy over claims she had an affair with another officer on board her ship, the frigate HMS Portland.

Commander Sarah West was sent home from duty amid claims she was having a relationship with a male officer, in breach of Navy rules.

If the allegations are proven, the 42-year-old would be in breach of the Armed Forces’ Code of Social Conduct, which prohibits personnel from having relationships with subordinates if they compromise ‘operational effectiveness’.

A Royal Navy spokesman said: “We are aware of an allegation of a breach of the Code of Social Conduct on board HMS Portland, which we are treating seriously.

“Anyone who is found to fall short of the Royal Navy’s high standards can expect to face appropriate action.

“It would be inappropriate to comment further.”

Cdr West, the first woman to command a Royal Navy warship, was captain of the minesweeper HMS Shoreham when the vessel was given the freedom of the town in March, 2011.